she is gone. me now.
By Theodore James
her tear-stained countenance my blood-stained palms
steady is the rhythm of the blade a promise of inevitability
we fight dance conjugate all in similar motions
our hearts: bystanders to time
she looks like me minus me
her blood sweet wine of salvation
her body broken as loaves
years of gruesome passion pass as patiently as snails/sidewalk
her surrender comes quiet for she has no tongue to s c r e a m
i wipe the condensation from my forehead. i lower my weapon. i smile to her mutilated body, grateful for both journey and destination. she would smile back, but she is gone.
me now.
Theodore (he/they) is a 23 year old transsexual man who writes like his life depends on it. Theo’s favorite color is burnt orange, and he enjoys the rain more than any other weather. His debut chapbook gendered lullabies is available on Amazon. You can follow him and read more of his work at @writeodore on Twitter and Instagram.
Artwork Source: “Tell me, Faust” by Vidya Murali
Artist Statement: I love cutting up shapes in paper and creating pictures. I start with just a broad idea and let the work create itself. My work generally reflects my current state of mind. It could be happy, thoughtful, or silly!
Vidya Murali is Female, 70 yrs old, art and craft are favourite hobbies. Next to reading and travel. I live in Bengaluru, India. Learn more on her travel blog.
The Turning Leaf Journal 